Premise: When Jack (Nicholas Hoult), a poor orphaned farm boy, trades his horse for “magical” beans, he unknowingly unleashes a beanstalk into the heavens taking his house and Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) who was visiting him with it. The King (Ian McShane) tasks Elmont (Ewan McGregor), his right hand man, Roderick (Stanley Tucci), the man who is to marry the princess, and Jack with bringing her back. The beanstalk leads them to a world filled with giants reigniting an ancient war between them and the humans.

My Review: 4 Things I Thought While Watching

1) This is definitely a kids movie – Though the story was one we all know, the plot was actually interesting and intriguing. However, there were definite elements and themes and actions that were “kids movie” oriented like farting, or giants that make goofy noises, or literal pigs in a blanket. Though, yes cheesy, if you don’t take it too seriously (the movie didn’t, and that’s a good thing) it won’t really bother you. In other words, it’s nothing to hurt your head about, but it’s some good, escapism fun.

2) I really like Ewan McGregor – His voice is so gentle and so sweet you just can’t help but like him. And the fact that he was funny and heroic and protective just makes me realize I will be his second wife, you know, if he ever leaves his first wife…(Hey, don’t ruin my dream!) But he also just has this ease and charisma about him and he brings that to his character, Elmont, whose job is to protect the princess.

3) Casting Nicholas Hoult and Eleanor Tomlinson helped make the “romance” aspect seem not cheesy – These two actors are relatively unknown. They’ve been in a bunch of movies, yes, but they haven’t been overexposed like some other young actors. They were believable as young adults on the brink of adulthood and they were both very likeable. Sometimes actors can bring a certain cockiness when they are acting in YA movies (See: Taylor Lautner) Nicholas Hoult is a good leading man, with fantastic bone structure and bright blue eyes.

4) Some of the CGI was hit and miss – The beanstalk was completely impressive as were the waterfalls in the land of the giants. You really got a feeling for the scale of it. The giants…not so much. They were massive, but they weren’t really scary. They needed more detail. You know how sometimes you watch animated movies like Monsters Inc, or Toy Story and there are moments you’re not sure whether you’re watching animation, or live action? Those giants needed those details. I didn’t feel like they were really there. Then again I didn’t see it in 3D IMAX. Can someone tell me if it’s a different experience there?

Overall, though the pacing was off (slow at some parts, non-stop action at others) I’d say this movie is worth checking out. Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Ewan McGregor are a treat to watch. And the final battle is exciting. In my opinion it’s not necessary to see it in 3D IMAX, unless you like paying a lot of money for okay movies.